Middle-aged working women are more likely to gain weight than their male counterparts, according to a new Australian study, published in the International Journal of Obesity. Researchers found that women working more than 35 hours per week are much more likely to gain weight.

Researchers attributed the weight gain to time being spent in the office detracting from time spent exercising. In addition, working long hours leads to a poor diet, according to the study.

"More than 60 per cent of Australian adults are now overweight or obese, representing a serious public health concern," Dr. Nicole Au, from the Centre for Health Economics at Monash University in Australia, said in a statement. "The study highlights the growing number of Australian women entering the workforce and the effects on their ability to maintain a healthy weight. Extended work hours may reduce the time spent preparing home-cooked meals, exercising and sleeping which are risk factors for obesity."

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Women who work more than 49 hours per week were also more likely to smoke and consume alcohol. Sixty-five percent drank at a "risky" level and 36 percent did not engage in any physical activity. Researchers said workplaces should give workers times to exercise, as it will not only make them healthier, but more productive as well.

"Policies that assist women who work long hours to reduce the time costs of sustaining a healthy diet and their physical activity routine may have positive benefits," Au said.